The Searcher: The Power of a Good Story

Elmore 2022-03-23 09:01:54

The Film Archive held a Warner Films-themed screening in December, and many classic old films, including this "Searcher", were screened on the domestic big screen. The attendance rate of each event was 90%, and the fans were very enthusiastic. I was no exception. Accompanied by many friends, I watched this classic Western film directed by John Ford.

My first impression of the film was the racist signal of white supremacy. The white American and the native Indian are a pair of contradictions from beginning to end. The native is a disgusting face when he comes up, and then kills the happy and harmonious white family and robs the white girl. The director succeeded in creating a murderous big scene. Badass image. At the same time, the old cowboy played by John Wayne is an upright, bohemian, tall and majestic positive tough guy who is not afraid of difficulties and dangers. With one blow, he became the hero under the gun. The whole movie revealed the arrogance of Americans, and even a bit of childish self-confidence.

Of course, this is definitely a good Western. In the film, the protagonist does not have the handsome Pose who draws a gun and shoots in "Django Unchained", there is no grand blasting scene, and there is no stimulating hormonal bridge between the hero and the heroine kissing, and it is completely attracted by the fascinating story. audience. What impressed me the most is the ingenious pictures that echo before and after the beginning and the end - starting with the gate opening, the protagonist's horse galloping slowly into the audience's eyes, and ending with the gate closing, the protagonist's tall silhouette gradually fades away. One of the most primitive and simple forms of expression, creating an arrogant, stubborn, brave and memorable western hero.

That's the power of a good story, one that remains intriguing even after more than half a century.

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Extended Reading
  • Jovanny 2022-04-23 07:02:04

    4.5. Wayne as a more complex & perhaps more authentic westerner. sophisticated mise-en-scene.

  • Ressie 2022-03-27 09:01:06

    Having established and perfected all the attributes of the genre, Ford moved on to a deeper psychological western. This film is infinitely close to Bazin's "Baroque" style. The color deepens the boundlessness and desolation of the vast West, and at the same time broadens the single spatial expression of the images of the previous period. The relationship between the characters breaks through the existing image setting. The solitary knight played by Wayne must be helped by Martin, a young man who represents reflection and emerging values, in order to achieve success and even be redeemed. Aside from the intense cinematography and the director's masterful scheduling, what's great about this film is that it offers the viewer, the author, and the genre itself the power to reflect. Through the visual presentation of the first intertext, the heroes of the west no longer have the legitimacy of all killings. They can only choose to self-exile and question themselves in order to survive in the turbulent times. mental state. The end of an era.

The Searchers quotes

  • [Reverend Clayton delivers a prayer at the Edwards' funeral for Aaron, Martha, and Ben]

    Ethan: Put an amen to it!

    Reverend Clayton: I ain't finished yet.

    Ethan: There's no more time for praying! AMEN!

  • Brad: There's only one way you can stop me from looking for Lucy, mister, and that's kill me!

    Martin: That's the way I feel, Uncle Ethan

    [Edwards glares at him]

    Martin: Ethan... Sir.

    Ethan: Alright, but I'm giving the orders here. I'm giving the orders and you'll follow 'em, or we're splitting up right here and now!

    Martin: Well, sure, Ethan. Just one reason were here, ain't it, is to find Debbie and Lucy?

    Ethan: If they're still alive.